UMNO Youth chief Datuk Muhamad Akmal Saleh is facing growing criticism for what many perceive as a lenient response to the display of an Israeli flag during the “500 Pelayaran Solidariti Kelantan untuk Gaza” event held at Lembah Sireh, Kota Bharu. The incident has sparked accusations of double standards, with observers comparing his reaction to his past outbursts over similar symbolic controversies in opposition-led states.
The flag display, reportedly part of a performance gimmick by event organisers Pertubuhan Anak Muda Bangkit Malaysia, was widely condemned after images surfaced online. Akmal responded by urging the organisers to apologise for the oversight, stressing that the Zionist flag had no place in Malaysia, even as part of a stage act. He added that the symbol should only be condemned and destroyed, not raised in public.
However, his tone drew sharp contrast to his reaction earlier this year when the Jalur Gemilang was flown upside down in Penang, a DAP-led state. On that occasion, Akmal had led a nationwide uproar, calling for firm action and even mobilising his Youth wing for demonstrations.
Critics have now accused him of adopting a selective approach—being confrontational when addressing issues in opposition states but noticeably softer when the controversy arises from PAS-ruled Kelantan. Some observers remarked that if a similar act involving the Israeli flag had occurred in a DAP-administered state, Akmal’s response would have likely been far more aggressive, possibly triggering widespread protests.
Political commentators have urged Akmal to take a firmer stance, arguing that a mere apology request was inadequate given the sensitivities surrounding the Israeli flag. Some have called on him to file a police report or rally his supporters to demand accountability, as he has done in other cases.
The incident has reignited discussions about the consistency of political leaders in addressing national issues, particularly those involving race, religion, and foreign sensitivities. Many see Akmal’s measured reaction as evidence of political bias, suggesting that his outspokenness depends largely on which state or party is involved.
The controversy underscores the ongoing tension between political symbolism, public perception, and accountability in Malaysia’s charged political landscape.
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